5 days in New Mexico Itinerary

Albuquerque remains one of the state's secret jewels, as its tourist attractions are often overshadowed by the more popular holiday destination of Santa Fe.

Start off your visit on the 26th (Sun): see the interesting displays at Unser Racing Museum and then soar above the sights with a balloon tour. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 27th (Mon): take in the spiritual surroundings of San Felipe de Neri Church, then get to know the fascinating history of Albuquerque Old Town, and then engage your brain at Explora Science Center and Children's Museum of Albuquerque.

For reviews, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Albuquerque trip itinerary builder site.

San Diego to Albuquerque is an approximately 3.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from San Diego to Albuquerque. When traveling from San Diego in December, plan for slightly colder days in Albuquerque, with highs around 49°F, while nights are colder with lows around 28°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Santa Fe.

Santa Fe continuously ranks among the world's top holiday destinations, attracting visitors with its unusual combination of scenic beauty, rich history, cultural diversity, and high concentration of performing arts venues, fine restaurants, and interesting attractions.

Santa Fe is known for historic sites, museums, and shopping. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: take in the spiritual surroundings of Loretto Chapel, explore the world behind art at Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, make a trip to Canyon Road, and see the interesting displays at Museum of International Folk Art.

To find photos, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Santa Fe road trip app.

Getting from Albuquerque to Santa Fe by car takes about an hour. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. Traveling from Albuquerque in December, plan for little chillier nights in Santa Fe, with lows around 22°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Thu) to allow time to fly back home.